Born into a samurai family in Kagoshima, Satsuma.
He went to Britain as a Satsuma student, later studying in America too.
He returned and joined the new Meiji government.
He was posted to the United States as a diplomat.
With Fukuzawa Yukichi and others he founded the Meirokusha, publishing a journal to spread new ideas.
He worked to open a school of commerce (later Hitotsubashi University).
He became minister to Britain.
As Japan's first Minister of Education he organized the school system from elementary school to university.
Attacked on the day the Meiji Constitution was promulgated, he lost his life the next day.
Fukuzawa YukichiNishi AmaneNakamura Masanao
Mutsu MunemitsuInoue KowashiNiijima YaeNakae ChōminTōgō HeihachirōKatsura TarōErwin BälzNogi Maresuke
People of the Meiji period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.